NEWPORT, R.I.-- For current elementary school teacher Beth-Anne Rafanelli '96, the draw of the mansions and the ocean, along with the small school feel and women's tennis team, are what drew her to Salve Regina University. Now a member of the Seahawk Hall of Fame induction class, both Salve and tennis still run through her blood.
"I loved being in Newport," recalled Rafanelli. "The class sizes were great. I got a lot of attention. I remember my professors and teammates would check in to see how I was doing and that made me feel comfortable. I really felt like I belonged."
Rafanelli left her mark on Salve as a two-time captain who led the Seahawks to three consecutive Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) championships in addition to a runner-up finish (1992-1994; 1995). She established Salve's single-season doubles win mark (19 in 1995). Her career doubles winning percentage (41-7; .854) still ranks first all-time in program history.
"I played singles and doubles, and I loved singles, but when I was on the doubles court, I loved communicating with whoever I was playing with," said Rafanelli. "I was put with different partners, and I was able to pick my partner up and make them stronger as well as myself. I was always with someone different because I like working with anyone. We would help each other develop our skills."
What the stats don't show for Rafanelli was the growth she felt as she progressed from first year to senior year, and eventual graduate assistant coach, as well as the connections she made along the way.
"At first, I was nervous like anyone would be but the one thing that got me to truly love Salve was the tennis team. We became a huge family. Our own families became family—all the parents would be there for home and away matches."
"My first year [at Salve Regina] I started to learn to be independent as well as work as a team—whether it was in tennis or in my classes meeting different people," continued Rafanelli. "I built up my self-esteem. I became more independent and confident that I could accomplish anything in a profession."
Rafanelli attributes much of her success to her teammates and coach. She credits Coach Ed Habershaw, who serves as the Director of Athletic Communications at Salve Regina, helping her grow as an athlete and coach.
"Ed helped me grow so much in tennis—his skills and teaching me confidence as an athlete made me a better player as I got older and that translated to coaching. His family became a family too. His wife Lynne and daughter Taylor went to all the home matches and most of the away ones too. They're all family to me."
When Rafanelli looks back on her time at Salve Regina there's no one particular performance that sticks out, but rather the entire experience and the feeling of home the tennis team cultivated for her.
"My senior year we had won three conference championships in a row but that was rewarding because I had worked so hard from freshman year to senior year," said Rafanelli. "It was a happy time but a sad time because it was a closing in the chapter of college. We all worked so well together, and we cheered each other on whether it was singles, doubles or academics. We were all very supportive of each other."
Tennis never stopped being a part of her life even after Rafanelli move into her elementary teaching role.
"I've never stopped playing tennis and I never will," laughed Rafanelli. "I love it! It makes me feel good and I stay healthy. I play USTA (United States Tennis Association) still and I coach. In the summer when I have more time, I coach ages three up to 80. I've had kids play with me who are graduating high school now. It's amazing to see how much they've improved."
Rafanelli looks back on her time at Salve and hopes current and future Seahawks take away the value of teamwork and remain connected with the University.
"You take the skills you learn as a student-athlete to whatever profession you go into," said Rafanelli. "For me in teaching my goal was to continue to help other people grow. Salve is a wonderful school. I still have friendships from Salve. Ed will always be coach to me but he's part of my family. I will never forget Salve, it built a part of my journey."
